August 16, 2019
1. Motorsports attractions you won’t find anywhere else
Along with a convenient location right off Interstate 85, Cabarrus County boasts the best motorsports attractions around from exciting events at Charlotte Motor Speedway to exclusive experiences like catching live pit crew practice at top NASCAR race shops such as Hendrick Motorsports and Roush Fenway Racing. And did you know Dale Earnhardt, Sr. grew up here? Tour the racing legend’s hometown of Kannapolis on “The Dale Trail” self-guided tour.
The Circle K Monster Truck Bash is a family-friendly event where you can take photos beside the five-ton machines, meet the drivers of the 2,000-horsepower beasts and watch sparks fly on The Dirt Track.
2. History adventures that take you underground and inside a song
At historic Reed Gold Mine–which Conde Nast Traveler recently spotlighted–you can explore underground mining tunnels on the land that spearheaded America’s first gold rush. Then, tour a restored ore-crushing stamp mill and even try your hand at gold panning.
Gearheads will love the Mustang Owner’s Museum! Recently opened in May, it showcases more than 50 Mustangs representing all six generations of the iconic sports car, including one of the originals from the 1964 World’s Fair.
And music lovers will enjoy getting a first-hand look at costumes and memorabilia from world-renowned artists including Charlie Daniels, Kellie Pickler, Roberta Flack and The Avett Brothers at the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
3. Side by side shopping and adrenaline experiences
Say goodbye to summer with an unforgettable adventure and pick up designer deals to start the new school year, all at Exit 49 off Interstate 85.
Concord Mills is North Carolina’s largest outlet and value retail shopping attraction where your family can back-to-school shop at more than 200 stores and explore a 180-degree Ocean Tunnel, go-kart tracks and bungee jumping under one roof.
Want more of a rush? Extra adrenaline is right around the corner from Concord Mills! Skydive indoors at iFLY, drive a real NASCAR car and zoom through the curves at Charlotte Motor Speedway, or grab your bathing suits and head to Great Wolf Lodge–an indoor water park resort with 11 water slides and a water fort treehouse.
